Legislators Offer Leadership Lessons in Campus Visits

Nov. 29, 2010

This fall, five key state legislators visited UT Dallas to teach Leadership, an undergraduate honors course offered by the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences. Several of the legislators also had the opportunity to tour campus and visit with President David E. Daniel.

Visiting legislators included:

Rep. Angie Chen Button of Garland.

Sen. Robert Duncan of Lubbock.

Rep. Eric Johnson of Dallas.

Rep. Jerry Madden of Richardson.

Sen. Royce West of Dallas.

Sen. Royce West (center) conferred with UT Dallas President David E. Daniel and Amanda Rockow, the University's vice president for public affairs.

During speeches to students, legislators shared their thoughts on the characteristics of a leader and gave personal examples of challenging leadership experiences. Dr. Greg Thielemann, director of the Center for the Study of Texas Politics, taught the class.

“It is so wonderful to live in a state where so many leaders give so freely of themselves,” said Thielemann. “These visits and the courses that are linked to the Texas Center provide our students with unique learning opportunities and an enhancement to the traditional classroom experience that is unmatched in Texas. It is wonderful to work at a place that is willing to think outside of the box in providing our students with access to state leaders. From my perspective, the positive light that we shine on our campus and our students is just a bonus.”

During the visits, some of the legislators had the opportunity to tour campus and visit with President Daniel and Vice President for Public Affairs Amanda Rockow.

“These visits are important opportunities for us to showcase our outstanding students and our growing campus,” said Rockow “When we invite legislators to UT Dallas, it gives us the chance to discuss expected issues in the next legislative session. Our visitors respond positively to the immense progress underway. It is our students, however, who consistently steal the show.”